ATTACK alarms and property-marking pens were dished out to people in the Bell Green area of Coventry as part of a police drive to beat criminals who have spoilt the area....

ATTACK alarms and property-marking pens were dished out to people in the Bell Green area of Coventry as part of a police drive to beat criminals who have spoilt the area.

Police gave out crime prevention advice at an open day organised by North-East Area Co-ordination to show residents how to protect their own homes and feel safer.

It was part of a regeneration package which it is hoped will breathe new life into the neighbourhood, giving the once-bustling Riley Square a smarter image.

Shops and a bank have closed in the square, partly because they became targets for thieves and robbers.

A state-of-the-art CCTV camera system is to be installed in the square, starting next month, when a big clean-up operation to remove graffiti will begin.

During the crime prevention and community consultation open day yesterday, local crime prevention officer Pc Alan Rowe and Louise Branch from Area Co-ordination offered advice and free crime prevention and safety aids, including personal attack alarms, property-marking pens and smoke alarms.

Louise Branch said: "There is a lot of work in progress to make Riley Square more attractive and safer to shop around but we wanted to give people a bit more peace of mind in their homes."

Young people are also starting work on two new murals for Riley Square and a welcome sign next week.

Youngsters from Bell Green Community Centre, St Chad's, Wood End and the Youth Investment Project will produce the artwork between tomorrow and Sunday.

Cllr Val Stone said: "People have been saying for some time that the square needs brightening up.

"Now is the chance to make a difference and for local young people to show that they are not all up to no good and that they want to see their local area improved."